Attention recreational anglers – the National Marine Fisheries Service has taken action today, July 28, 2026, to close or modify ocean salmon fishing seasons for portions of California’s north coast. The Klamath Management Zone, which includes ocean waters between the California/Oregon border and 40º10′ N. latitude, is now closed. The Fort Bragg Management Area, between 40º10′ N. latitude and Point Arena, will open August 1 and continue through August 9. The remainder of the August dates previously scheduled for the Fort Bragg Management Area are now closed.

In the Klamath Management Zone, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s preliminary estimates indicate that 3,968 Chinook salmon were taken by 4,830 anglers aboard both charter vessels and private skiffs, achieving the area’s recreational harvest guideline of 3,900 Chinook salmon.

In the Fort Bragg Management Area, preliminary estimates indicate that 4,352 Chinook salmon have been taken by 6,208 anglers to date. This leaves 748 Chinook salmon available in the area’s harvest guideline of 5,100 Chinook salmon when the season reopens on Aug. 1, 2026. Recent trends in catch rates and angler effort indicate that the Fort Bragg recreational harvest guideline will be met by the August 9 closure.

Inseason actions such as season closures are developed in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, members of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and representatives from the fishing industry.

For the California coast south of Point Arena, the spring/summer recreational fishing season will resume August 1 for the San Francisco Management Area and continue through August 31 or until the harvest guideline of 34,900 Chinook salmon is met, whichever is earlier. The Monterey Management Area remains open until August 31 or until the harvest guideline of 21, 800 Chinook salmon is met, whichever is earlier.

In addition, a separate recreational ocean salmon season begins in September with a fall harvest guideline of 20,000 Chinook salmon applicable to the Monterey and San Francisco management areas. Visit the Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page to view current regulations and catch estimates for each management area.